Blackjack Guide
Best Online Blackjack Guide 2025
Blackjack is a favourite among casino players who prefer table games. The rules are simple, the game is fairly quick, and it provides the perfect combination of luck and strategy. Players can enjoy a good game of blackjack at most online casinos.
This blackjack guide is designed to introduce you to what is considered a classic casino game. In your search for the best blackjack games online, it is helpful to know a little bit more about blackjack’s history, its rules, and some of the strategies players use to increase their odds.
A Brief History of Blackjack
There is no clear consensus as to the roots of blackjack. Some believe it dates back to 18th century French casinos and one of three games that were popular back then. One game, known as Vingt-et-un (’21’ in French), appears to be the frontrunner.
The modern version of blackjack was established in Nevada during the 1930s. It was a variation of 21 being played by American colonists who brought it over from France. Today’s blackjack games have changed very little since Las Vegas became the first American state to legalise gambling.
Rules of the Game
The basic rules of blackjack are fairly simple. Players play against the house, with both parties accumulating cards in an attempt to achieve a point total as close to 21 as possible without going over. Cards between 2 and 9 are counted at face value. The 10 and all royal cards are valued at 10 while the Ace can be valued at either 1 or 11, depending on the player’s strategy.
Most casinos have a few basic rules that govern play. For example, the house usually has to stand at 17. Another rule states that players can only split following the initial deal.
Blackjack Strategies and Tips
There are a number of blackjack systems claiming to increase the player’s chances of winning, but none of them have been scientifically validated. The player’s best bet is to learn how to implement basic strategies for splitting, doubling down and playing multiple hands. Splitting is the most viable of the three strategies because it splits two cards into two separate hands that can be played simultaneously against the house.
A good tip for all blackjack players is to avoid the temptation of betting based on perceived trends. The dealing of cards in blackjack is completely random, so there are no verifiable trends despite what your mind might be telling you. Make your wagers based on the cards you see and the odds of winning or losing based on those cards.
Another good tip is to remain fairly level with your wagers. Increase or decrease the amounts as the cards dictate but avoid large swings. A persistent pattern of extremely high or low wagers tips the house about your strategy. For example, consistently low wagers when the cards are not in your favour tells the house it has the advantage.
Here is one last tip from the best blackjack players in the world: avoid buying blackjack insurance. A successful insurance bet can pay 2-to-1, but experts agree that buying insurance is not worth it most of the time.
Blackjack Bonuses
One last thing we want to cover are blackjack bonuses. These are cash bonuses given to players as deposits made by the casino. Blackjack bonuses can be cashable or sticky. A cashable bonus can be withdrawn along with winnings; a sticky bonus cannot be withdrawn.
You should now have enough information about blackjack to get started. Take a few minutes to educate yourself on the basic rules of the game, then have a go at it. Alternatively check out all of our casino bonuses to find the best casino to play at.